Quebec City: Sunset Ice Canoe Experience with Sauna

If you’re visiting Quebec City and craving a truly unique way to connect with its icy landscape, the Sunset Ice Canoe Experience with Sauna offers just that. This tour combines the thrill of ice canoeing on the St. Lawrence River with relaxing moments in a luxurious Nordic sauna, all set against a backdrop of breathtaking sunset views.

While we haven’t personally paddled through the icy waters, the experience has garnered rave reviews for its stunning scenery, knowledgeable guides, and excellent value. Three key things we love about this experience are the chance to try a rare activity only offered in a few places worldwide, the opportunity to sip hot chocolate on floating ice sheets, and the panoramic views you get from the sauna afterward.

One consideration is that this activity requires a bit of physical effort and a moderate level of fitness. It’s not suitable for everyone, especially very young children or those with mobility issues. Still, if you’re eager for adventure and open to new experiences, this tour is a fantastic choice—especially for adventurers, history buffs, and anyone wanting a memorable winter outing.

Good To Know

• Unique activity: Ice canoeing on the St. Lawrence at sunset, a rare experience worldwide.
• Comfort and safety: All necessary equipment and expert guidance included.
• Scenic reward: Stunning views of the river and sunset, perfect for photos.
• Relaxation: Finish with a dip in the Nordic sauna with panoramic river views.
• Quality service: Small group sizes and professional guides enhance the experience.
• Value for money: At $155, it offers a comprehensive package including photos and refreshments.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

An authentic ice canoeing experience in Quebec City

This tour is designed for those curious about a traditional part of Quebec’s maritime culture. Historically, ice canoeing served as a vital means for transporting goods across frozen waterways. Today, it’s a thrilling recreational activity that offers a fresh perspective on the winter landscape.

The tour begins about a 15-minute drive from downtown Quebec City. The meeting point is at Anse-au-Foulon, behind the Tennis Montcalm club, marked clearly with the “Canot à glace expérience” signage. The small group size (up to 9 participants) guarantees personal attention from guides who are passionate about sharing the activity’s history and safety.

Safety, guidance, and preparation

Your guides, such as the knowledgeable Olivier or Sophie, will greet you warmly and provide a safety briefing before getting suited up. The equipment includes neoprene socks, boots, crampons, leg protectors, life jackets, and fitted mittens—everything needed to stay warm and secure on the ice.

Expect a thorough technical and safety training session. This is especially helpful if it’s your first time, as you’ll learn how to operate the oars and crampons. The guides are well-versed in adapting routes based on weather conditions and tides, which adds an element of unpredictability—part of what makes the activity exciting.

The canoeing journey

Once on the water, you’ll paddle along the river, feeling the crush of ice beneath your handcrafted crampons and the cool rush of winter air. The experience lasts about two hours, with a midpoint break on the ice for hot chocolate, snacks, and photos. As one reviewer noted, “It was hard work but worth it,” highlighting the physical aspect but also the rewarding views and sense of accomplishment.

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Scenic highlights and photo moments

The timing around sunset is perfect for capturing golden light on the ice and water, creating magical photo opportunities. The guides typically capture digital photos and videos, which are shared afterward—a nice touch that preserves your memories without the hassle of taking your own equipment onto the ice.

The relaxing finish: Nordic sauna

After the adventure, you’ll head back to the riverbank to unwind in the luxury Nordic sauna. Situated with panoramic views of the St. Lawrence, it’s the ideal place to warm up and reflect on your experience. Many reviewers, like Mélanie from France, called it “a real experience, it was unique,” and the sauna is often highlighted as the perfect way to soothe cold muscles while enjoying spectacular scenery.

Included amenities and overall value

The package cost of $155 per person covers everything—guides, equipment, safety gear, hot chocolate, pastries, and digital photos/videos. This all-inclusive setup ensures you won’t have hidden costs, and the small group format makes the activity feel personalized.

While the tour doesn’t include hotel transport, its comprehensive nature makes it a very good value, especially considering the unique combination of adventure and relaxation.

Who Should Consider This Experience?

This tour is best suited for adventurers, history enthusiasts, and nature lovers looking for an authentic winter activity. It’s particularly appealing if you’re interested in local traditions or want a memorable story to tell.

Since it requires a moderate level of physical ability, it’s ideal for those comfortable moving on ice and paddling for a couple of hours. It’s not suitable for children under 12, people with mobility impairments, or those with heart problems.

Practical Details

• Duration: 2 hours, usually available in the afternoon or evening.
• Price: $155 per person, which covers guides, equipment, hot chocolate, pastries, and photos.
• Meeting point: Anse-au-Foulon, behind Tennis Montcalm, clearly marked.
• Languages: Tours are offered in English, French, and Spanish.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility issues.
• Weather-dependent: The activity goes ahead only in favorable conditions; poor weather or low participation will result in alternative dates or a refund.
• What to bring: Warm clothes, change of clothes, extra socks, and technical layers. Bring a ziplock bag for your phone if taking photos and extra clothes for after the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included? No, transportation isn’t provided. You’ll need to get to the meeting point at Anse-au-Foulon, which is easily accessible by car or taxi.

What should I wear? Comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing, plus layers like long underwear, a light winter jacket, and a hat or buff. Bring extra clothes for after the activity.

Can children join? Not under 12 years old. The physical effort and safety considerations make it unsuitable for younger kids.

What if the weather is bad? If conditions aren’t suitable, the tour can be rescheduled or refunded—flexibility is built into the booking policy.

Do I need to be physically fit? A moderate level of physical ability is necessary to paddle and walk on ice comfortably.

Are the photos included? Yes, guides will share digital photos and videos after the tour, capturing your experience on the river.

What’s the main highlight? The sunset views combined with the thrill of ice canoeing make this a truly special experience that’s unlike anything else in Quebec.

Final Thoughts

For those seeking something different from the usual winter activities, this Sunset Ice Canoe Experience with Sauna offers a compelling mix of adventure, culture, and relaxation. It’s perfect for travelers who want to push their boundaries while soaking in stunning landscapes.

The experience’s focus on safety, expert guidance, and high-quality amenities, like hot chocolate and the sauna, make it a well-rounded option. Plus, the small group size ensures a personal touch that enhances the overall enjoyment.

If you love exploring local traditions, enjoy scenic outdoor adventures, or simply want a memorable story to tell, this tour ticks all those boxes. At around two hours and a reasonable price, it delivers a genuinely authentic and scenic glimpse of Quebec’s winter charm.

To sum it up, this tour is best suited for adventurous spirits and those eager to experience Quebec’s icy beauty in a way few others do. The combination of physical activity, cultural insight, and calming relaxation makes it a well-rounded, worthwhile outing. Just be prepared for some cold and don’t forget your layers—because the views and memories will warm your heart long after the ice has melted.

You can check if your dates are available here: